What is a Doula?

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides [nonmedical] continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.

Some women want to have a natural childbirth, others want an epidural, and for some moms it is medically necessary to have a cesarean. A doula can be a great asset to all women in a variety of birthing situations—she can help them achieve their goals for the birth that they desire. A doula's role is to educate and support a woman in whatever choices she makes for her baby’s birth.